After a whole lifetime of suffering with mysterious syptoms I was diagnosised at age 42 with not only spinal and cervical spondolysis,but a rare one, so they say,Chiari MalformationI with syringomyelia.If you too are looking for answers I hope some of the following blogs and articles will help answer some of your questions and you will become a part of a very loving, caring, supportive group Chiarians. You will never be alone on your journey.

About Me

I am a wife,mother,and nana learning to live with a disorder called Chiari1 Malformation with syringomelyia & other disorders all related to the chiari.I traveled a long journey too find results and my wish is to help others find help thru my experiences.I have given up a career I worked hard at for over 3 decades, but the 1 thing that I lost, is I am unable to be the mother I had planned and should be to my daughters, and that by far is the greatest loss of all.I was happy to have validation but accepting limitations is difficult for one who was so active and independent and wanted so much more for my children, as we all do as parents. I made friendships that are more valuable to me than any pill. They make me smile, laugh, and cry,but most of all they saved me from the aloneness.My wish. after a cure is that someday I can turn to a neighbor, new friend, or even a medical professional and when I say I have Chiari the answer will not be "Chiari what is that?" Wellcome to my journey into discovering all I can about my disorders and try to bring awareness and maybe share a laugh with someone and let them know that they too will never have to travel this road alone.

See the Rest Ministries/hopekeepers T-shirt with this saying on the back!

10. You can't be in that much pain9. Stop being lazy and get a job8. You just want attention7. Your illness is caused by stress6. No pain. . . no gain!5. It's all in your head4. If you just got out of the house...3. You're so lucky to get to stay in bed all day.2. Just pray harder1. But you look so good!

Copyright, Lisa Copen, Reprint permission granted if the following is included: